DuPage forest preserve approves operating budget

DuPage County Forest Preserve District commissioners have approved an operating budget of roughly $40.1 million for the coming fiscal year.

The unanimous vote on the 2016-2017 budget happened Tuesday; the district's fiscal year starts July 1.

“I'm confident that our budget for the upcoming year reflects good fiscal responsibility on our part and is in line with our mission and strategic plan,” forest preserve President Joseph Cantore said before the vote.

The operating portion pays for salaries, supplies and other day-to-day expenses. District officials said the spending plan reflects continued savings from the early retirement incentive program the district completed last year. The early retirement incentive program resulted in a reduction of 30 full-time positions.

Meanwhile, the district's total budget is about $81.8 million and includes roughly $39.6 million for capital projects.

Initiatives slated for funding include the Cricket Creek wetland mitigation project, the renovation of an indoor riding arena at St. James Farm Forest Preserve near Warrenville, and the ongoing improvements to Oak Meadows Golf Preserve in Addison.

The district also plans to construct an off-leash dog exercise area in Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve near Darien and build a new fleet maintenance garage in Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville,

“We have very ambitious goals for the upcoming year,” Cantore said. “The budget provides us with a financial framework to follow as we continue our efforts to maintain and improve our beloved forest preserves here in DuPage County.”

The budget will be funded with property tax revenue collected this year.

Officials say the owner of $300,000 home pays about $160 annually to the district, which accounts for roughly 2 percent of the typical property tax bill.